Ulick shook hands mechanically with Warren Courtly, who felt very uneasy, and Irene, who did not conceal the pleasure it gave her to see him again.
"It is the best news I have heard since you left Hazelwell," she said. "I thought it too good to be true when your father told me of your meeting and reconciliation at Newmarket."
"And I am more than pleased to see you again," he said, earnestly. "You have not quite forgotten your old playmate and companion?"
"Oh, no; I never can forget those days; they were the happiest of my life."
She did not think what she was saying until Warren said abruptly—
"That is not very complimentary to me."
Irene coloured slightly as she replied—
"You understand what I mean."
"And heard what you said," he replied.
"I am very glad Irene was so happy at Hazelwell," said the Squire. "We always tried to make her so."